Stephen Mulhern got one of the biggest laughs of the night at the National Television Awards as he tore up Ant and Dec's acceptance speech while collecting their Best Presenter gong.

The Geordie duo made it an astonishing 21 consecutive wins in the category thanks to their work on huge shows such as Britain's Got Talent and I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

However, the pair weren't in attendance at Wembley, leaving Saturday Night Takeaway co-host Mulhern to stand in and collect the award after they beat competition from Alison Hammond, Graham Norton and Bradley Walsh.

READ MORE: Olivia Attwood wows in daring PVC jumpsuit on NTAs red carpet amid I'm A Celeb rumours

Stephen, 47, said that Ant and Dec had given him a speech to read but as he ripped up their script he announced that he was “not going to read any of that drivel”.

Ant, 47, and 46-year-old Dec were absent because both had recently tested positive for Covid.

Stephen added: “Full respect to the guys, 21 years on the trot, come on. But the reality is, this baby is coming home with me.”

The presenter, whose friendly rivalry with Ant and Dec goes back years, then revealed he had had his own plaque made, inscribed with “The Nation’s Favourite Presenter – Stephen Mulhern”.

The official Twitter account for Ant and Dec posted a tweet tagging Stephen in which it joked: "Oi @StephenMulhern, it took ages to write that speech!!!

"Thank you SO much for voting for us, it is always appreciated and never taken for granted. You’ve made us feel tons better! Huge love. #NTAs #NTA2022."

To stay up to date with all the latest news, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here.

Stephen reposted it alongside a snap of himself kissing the award as he wrote: "You’ve got too many! I’ll look after this for a few years… All joking aside, nobody deserves it more! @antanddec."

Not long before that, Stephen found himself baffled after Emmerdale actor Danny Miller appeared to take a swipe at him as Danny accepted an award on behalf of I'm A Celebrity.

During his somewhat awkward speech, Danny said: "Just on behalf of Ant and Dec, who unfortunately have Covid so they can't be here tonight.

"Stephen Mulhern is in the crowd so I'm not sure why he hasn't accepted this award on behalf of them," as the camera then cut to a very baffled-looking Stephen, who pulled a confused face.

READ NEXT:

• King Charles sends NTAs into a frenzy with unexpected appearance over hit soap
• NTA audience including Holly and Phil listen as Lenny Henry makes Queue-Gate swipe
• Kate Garraway left gobsmacked as she wins second NTA gong for Derek documentary

Source: Read Full Article